II. Disciplinary courses

Courses which meet disciplinary requirements are designated in the class schedule. A student's academic major fulfills some of these requirements. Students are advised to consult with their faculty advisor about Common Curriculum requirements fulfilled in their particular major. Descriptions of each disciplinary requirement are included below.

Fine Arts (FA)

Art, music, dance and theater enrich our lives by exploring what it means to be human. In its own way, each of these arts nourishes our intellect, stirs our emotions, and touches our spirits. The creative impulse is a vital force within each of us, and its manifestation in the arts can both shape and reflect our lives in the modern world. Learning to understand the fine arts is gradual process that becomes increasingly meaningful as one gains knowledge and experience.

Fine Arts Experience (FAE)

The Fine Arts Experience creates greater understanding and appreciation of how the visual and performing arts reflect our humanity. Students can choose from a wide variety of artistic expression on the CSB/SJU campuses to meet the requirement of eight (two visual and six performing arts) approved Fine Arts Events. Students are expected to complete the requirement during their first year.

Humanities (HM)

The Humanities disciplines constitute a way of thinking, talking and writing about what it means to be human. Study in the Humanities disciplines introduces us to people we have never met, places we have never visited, times in which we have not lived, perspectives we have never taken, and ideas that may never have crossed our minds. Through careful and rigorous engagement with texts produced by (and about) those other people, places, and ideas, we explore issues of identity, community, and culture, as well as values, purpose, and meaning. With perspectives thus enlarged and enriched, and with skills to explore these questions further, the Humanities invite and equip us to live an examined life.

This requirement must be met with designated courses from two different Humanities disciplines. .

Mathematics (MT)

Courses meeting this requirement address the contemporary role of mathematics. They stress mathematics as a conceptual discipline, while demonstrating s the aesthetics and value of mathematics.

MT courses enable students to understand and use mathematical language and notation and to appreciate the need for that language and notation. They also address the power and limitations of mathematical reasoning as a tool for solving problems from other disciplines and from everyday life. The course emphasizes student involvement, understanding and appreciation for mathematics rather than on computational rigor.

Natural Sciences (NS)

Natural Science is a systematic, empirical study of our universe. Common Curriculum natural science courses are designed to introduce students to: the scientific process, scientific literature, laboratory investigation, and the application of science to real life. Each course will have disciplinary content.

Social Sciences (SS)

The Social Science requirement challenges students to think critically and to make informed personal, social, political and economic decisions. The social sciences apply scientific methods to the study of human beings, their attitudes and behaviors, the social forces that shape their lives and the social institutions they create. The study of social science requires students to examine both the theories that have been developed to understand human beings and the methods of knowing and testing upon which these theories are based. What makes the social sciences unique is that human beings are both the agents and the objects of study; the object of study can, and often does, change as a result of the knowledge that is generated in the social sciences. For this reason, personal, social, political and economic life can all change (for better or worse) as a result of the knowledge produced by the social sciences.

Students majoring in one of the social science disciplines will be required to take a social science course from a discipline other than their chosen major.

Theology (TH & TU)

Lower Division (TH): The first theology course reflects our Benedictine Catholic mission by introducing students to the Christian tradition, with special emphasis on the Biblical tradition. Theology111 is required of all students.